Now in his seventh season at Madrid and having spent four in the Premier League at Tottenham, Modric has played against many of the players Croatia will go up against in the Nations League.

He refused to be drawn on the question of which Spain players posed the greatest threat to the World Cup finalists but praised the impact former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, who has won three of his four games in charge.

"I do not want to highlight anybody, they are all great players," said Modric.

"Luis Enrique has given them energy and now they play as a team, and there are also some very good young players.

"You do not have to be afraid, even if [you are up against] one of the best teams in the world."